Phillies Scoop: Dom Brown still hoping he can make his mark this season

By DENNIS DEITCH

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Dom Brown has a tattoo on his arm that reads, "What Can Brown Do For You?" with the UPS emblem in the middle.

The Phillies say they want Brown to deliver in their outfield, but that didn't stop them from bringing in overweight package Delmon Young to muddle the corner-outfield situation.

Brown, who hit .235 in 56 games (51 starts) with the Phillies last season, believes the only thing standing between him and reaching the expectations put upon him two years ago when he was ranked one of the Top 5 prospects in baseball, is a full season of plate appearances.

"If I get four or five hundred at-bats," he said, "I think I can show what I'm really capable of doing."

It should be made clear that even if the Phillies had gone all-in with Brown as an everyday outfielder in each of the last two seasons, he would have been pressed to get that many at-bats because of his iffy health.

In 2011, Brown was beset by a broken bone in his hand and a pulled hamstring. Last season, a bruised thumb, pulled hammy and sprained knee had him hobbling for much of the year.

Asked how he would grade Brown's big-league play -- he's hitting .236 with 12 homers and 58 RBIs in 492 plate appearances spread over three seasons -- Charlie Manuel basically pointed to Brown's health as the deal-breaker.

"I'd say it's incomplete because we've had a hard time keeping him on the field," Manuel said. "I think until he gets to stay in the lineup for a while, that's kind of where we're at. He needs to play at a consistent pace."

Asked if Brown has become injury-prone, Manuel responded, "I don't know. First of all, I would never tell you guys if I put a label on him that way." Then he acknowledged injuries have set Brown back, "Quite a bit. A whole lot."

After Brown got grilled about why he hasn't been able to firm up a happy home in the majors, Ryan Howard made a point to offer the beleaguered 25-year-old a vote of confidence.

"D-Brown has definitely matured," Howard said. "I think he gets it and he understands what it takes and what he needs to do in order to make this team."

Howard and Brown have lockers in close proximity for spring training. Last season, Howard was focused on getting his surgically repaired Achilles' tendon back to health. This year, Howard will be more of a presence in the daily goings on of the team. Brown considers that an asset.

"That's a great feeling," Brown said when told of Howard's words of support. "I try not to bother him much. But he's always coming over and talking to me. I try to let him make contact before I go over and bother him. But his locker is open at any time. There's never a time I can't go over and talk with him.

"In here, he's a high-energy guy. There can't be a better guy to look up to. It makes a big difference to have a leader on your team like that."